BLACK DOG OBSERVATORY

M8 (NGC6523) Lagoon Nebula

A quite spectacular diffuse nebula. It envelops a star cluster, NGC6530. The nebula is divided by a dark lane visible just above centre in this image. Within the brightest part of the nebula (not very distinct here, but immediately above the bright star in red haze), is the Hourglass Nebula. The bright star is 9 Sagittarii and its ultraviolet radiation is what causes the nebula to glow. There are a number of Dark Nebulae within the Lagoon. The nebula is 140 x 60 light years in size and 5,200 light years away.